1 man killed, 2 injured after street racing wreck on Atlantic Avenue, police say
A 33-year-old man was killed after police say he was racing the driver of another car on Atlantic Avenue, Raleigh police said Tuesday.
The early Tuesday morning crash involving three vehicles also sent a woman and a young passenger to the hospital with injuries, police said Tuesday afternoon.
Police say William Ortiz, 33, drove a 2019 Mercedes Benz E 300 sedan northbound on Atlantic Avenue while racing the driver of a 2020 Chevrolet Camaro sedan. About 4:22 a.m., police say the drivers were driving “carelessly and recklessly at a high rate of speed,” according to a news release.
Ortiz lost control of the car and entered the southbound lane of Atlantic Avenue, striking a 2009 Chevrolet Traverse driven by a woman with a young passenger. The Camaro also entered the southbound lane, near the intersection of East Six Forks Road, and hit a tree.
Ortiz died from his injuries.
The driver and passenger in the Traverse were seriously injured and taken to the hospital.
The driver of the Camaro left the scene.
Raleigh police say they are still investigating.
Atlantic Avenue in Raleigh was closed from the Highwoods Boulevard to the Six Forks Road intersections. The accident happened near the northern edge of Interstate 440.
Police request anyone with information to go to CrimeStoppers at www.p3tips.com/89 for anonymous reporting options or call 919-996-1193.
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This story was originally published March 7, 2023 at 9:56 AM.
